Shipping support with tie-down means



March 28, 1967 c. A. DAMM 3,311,335

'SHIPPING SUPPORT WITH TIE-DOWN MEANS Filed June 25, 1965 9m Fig. j

INVENTOR.

CARL A. DAMM ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,311,335 SHIPPING SUPPORTWlTH TIE-DWN MEANS Carl A. Damm, Upper Black Eddy, Pa., assigner to theUnited States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyFiled .lune 25, 1965, Ser. No. 467,148 l@ Claims. (Cl. 248-119) Theinvention described herein may be manufactured and used yby or for theGovernment of the United States of America for governmental purposeswithout the payment of royalties thereon or therefor.

The present invention relates to a universal supporting and clampingarrangement and more particularly to a supporting and clampingarrangement for handling and storing military stores.

Handling, supporting and clamping methods for military stores,particularly aboard aircraft carriers, require speed, safety andstrength. Present arrangements utilize mesh, cable or flexible strapsfor securing the store to its supporting chocks or supports. Thisarrangement requires the use of three handlers: one for lowering andpositioning the store on a pair of supports by a drop chain or winch,and two other handlers at each end of the store for holding the meshcable or strap out of the way while the store is being lowered on thesupport. lf one of the llexible tie-down devices slips between the storeand the support or stanchion, one of the handlers must reach over andaround the store and retrieve the same. Any substantial lurching of theaircraft carrier may then cause the store to roll on the chock orsupport and pin the arm of the handler against the stanchion therebyinjuring the individual. Further, under present conditions anysignificant movement of the aircraft carrier causes the free end of thetie-down strap or cable to ily about and create a hazardous condition toboth personnel and material.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive andsafe supporting and clamping system which is capable of quick andellicient operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a universalsupporting and clamping arrangement wherein the tie-down straps areeasily adjustable to conform to specific object being handled andwherein the non-use position of the tie-down strap is out of the way butadjacent to the chock or support thereby Ipermitting a oneman handlingoperation.

Various other objects and advantages will appear from the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention, and the novel featureswill be particularly pointed out hereinafter in connection with theappended claims.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view, partially in cross section, of thenovel tie-down arrangement.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective, the novel spring and excess straparrangement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in cross section, the anchor lug of FIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention and specifically withreference to FIG. l, the tie-down arrangement generally indicated atincludes a pair of stanchions 11, only one being shown, of I-beamconfiguration with spaced apart apertures, not shown, formed in the webportion 11a of the stanchion and along the length thereof. The stanchion11 is anchored to a supporting surface 12 such as the deck of anaircraft carrier of the like.

A plurality of vertically stacked stanchion brackets each generallyindicated at 20, extend outwardly from the stanchion 11 and supportstores S1, S2 and S3. It should be understood that although anadditional stan- ICC chion is used and that a pair of brackets 20 arerequired to support each store, only one of the pair is shown in FIG. l.Stanchion bracket 2li includes a pair of parallel longitudinallyextending llange members 21 interconnected lby an integral transverseweb member 22, the upper surface of which together with the ange members21 are congured to cradle the store S1. The web member 22 terminates ina downwardly extending web plate 22a which is also secured to the flangemembers 21. An attachment plate 24, spaced from web plate 22a is alsosecured to the flange members 21 and thereby forms a downwardlyextending recess 25. Fastening means 26 such as bolts or the like aresecured to the attachment plate 24 and cooperate with the apertures inthe web 11a of the stanchion 11 to removably position bracket 20relative to stanchion 11. It should be observed that the flange members21 and web member 22 cooperate to form a pocket 28 for purposes to bedescribed more clearly below. The web 22 terminates short of the end ofthe pair of flanges 21 thereby giving rise to extended lugs 29. A pin29a extending between and attached to the lugs 29 serves to pivotallyconnect a latch mechanism generally indicated at 56. The web 22 at theother end is slightly curved as at 22C to provide a fulcrum point, thepur-pose of which will be described below.

An anchor lug 3), as viewed in FIGS. l and 3, is positioned within ahole 22h formed in the web plate 22a and is connected to the latter bypin 32 and has one end thereof extending into the recess 25 formedbetween the flange members 21 and the plates 22a and 24. As viewed moreclearly in FIG. 3, the pin 30 includes a ramp portion 30a in the upperportion thereof and a notch 36h in the lower portion thereof to receivea tie-down strap 4d, now to be described.

Tie-down straps or bands 40 of the present invention are fabricated fromstrips of thin flat sheet material such as stainless steel, other highstrength flexible sheet material, or the like, of the order of 2 inchesin width and about 1/32 of an inch in a preferred embodiment, and areprovided with a series of regularly spaced circular apertures elle ofequal size and shape spaced at regular intervals along the length of theband 4l). Adjustment of the effective length of the tie-down band isobtained by the selection of the proper apertures 40a and the insertionof cooperating elements therein. In order to facilitate the assembly ofcooperating elements with the tie-down strap, the successive aperturesmay be identified by reference markings such as those indicated at 4Gbin FIG. 2. To facilitate handling of the tie-down straps, especially forone-man installation of objects of relatively large circumference, theelongated bands 40 are pre-shaped to a suitable predetermined circularconfiguration.

A latch assembly generally noted at 50 and of the type disclosed in U.S.Patent 3,086,809 to C. A. Damm for Universal Hoisting Sling, issued Apr.23, 1963, includes an outer jaw, generally designated by the referencenumeral 51 which receives the strap E19 in the manner illustrated byFIG. 2 of the above mentioned patent, and an inner jaw, generallydesignated by reference numeral 53. The latter includes an adjustmentbarrel 53a and an eye bolt 535 which is attached to the lug arrangement29-29o of the bracket 2li.

As seen more clearly in FGS. l and 2 a spring member generally noted at6l) is interposed within the recess 25 and includes a rib portion 61having an aperture 61a therethrough to receive a connecting means, notshown, for anchoring spring member 6? to the attachment plate 24 of thebracket 2t). Spring member 60 includes a channel portion 62 for guidingthe excess strap or strap end 40 rom the bracket immediately above intothe recess 25 formed in the bracket to thereby store the end 46 of thestrap 4t). The channel portion 62 terminates in a 3 pair of spacedcurved resilient ringer springs e3 which have an upper spring node 63afor engaging strap 40 and pressing thereagainst to keep the same on theanchor lug 30. A lower spring node 6311 separates the tie-down band 4t)from the excess band 40 and presses the latter against plate 24.

Referring again to FIG. l, the store S3 is supported on a pair of oorchocks 91M yand 90b located and secured to the floor or deck 12 of theaircraft carrier. Chock 90a includes a clevis member 91a which throughpin 92:1 pivotally connects a clevis sway brace 93a thereto. Brace 93aincludes a transverse aperture 94a extending therethrough for receivingthe excess band material 46' from the band 4t) associated with 'andcooperating with the bracket 2() immediately above store S3. Brace 93afurther includes a flat slightly curved base plate 95a which may betapered to its opposite ends to accommodate the exible band 40 withminimum discontinuities and thereby avoid excessive stressconcentrations in the band or the fitting. In addition, the brace 93aincludes an anchoring boss 96a projecting into the aperture 94a in orderto engage any aperture 46a in the tie-down band 40. A spring member 66'similar to that described above is secured to brace 93a and has theupper node thereof engaging the band et) wrapped about store S3 and thelower node thereof engaging the excess material or end 40 of the upperband 40 yassociated with store S2.

Chock member 9% includes an upwardly extending clevis member 911) whichthrough pin 92h pivotally connects both the eye bolt 531; of the latchSil and a clevis sway brace 931;. Brace @3b includes cam surfaces 93Cfor maintaining the sway brace in the illustrated position andterminates in a at slightly curved portion for engaging the curvature ofthe store S3. An aperture 97b extends through the clevis member 91b toreceive the excess band material dil' of the band fill which encirclesstore S3 and `holds the same to the floor chocks ifm and 931).

The operation and assembly procedure of the universal tie-downarrangement 1t) is as follows: Initially, the band 40 is disengaged fromthe latch 5t) and is in 'a separate storage location. Prior to placingthe store upon the particular stanchion bracket 20, the band 4i? isinserted in the recess and pushed downwardly to the required bandindicator setting AStlb for the particular diameter store. During thedownward movement the band 4t) rides on the ramp a of the anchor lug 39and cams the spring `tingers 63 rearwardly toward the attachment plate24. When the particular setting is reached, the band is positioned `withthe anchor lug 39 passing through the aperture 40a in the strap 40. Band40 is then pulled upwardly to engage the band in the notch 3612. Itshould be observed that the upper node 53a of the spring ngers 63presses against the band 4t' and keeps it on the anchor lug 30. Thestore is then properly placed upon the stanchion brackets and theupwardly extending band portion is then wrapped about the store and theterminal ihole thereof is placed over the boss, not shown, in the jaw 51of the latch S0. The latch 50 is then closed in the manner described inthe patent relating thereto and the adjustment barrel is tightened, ifrequired. The excess band material or end 40 is then inserted within thechannel portion 62 of the spring member 69 located below the storebeing'secured and the lower node 63h of the spring ringer 63 urges thisband portion 40 against plate 24. In the instance where store S2 issecured, the excess band portion 40' is inserted through the aperture94a in the sway brace 93a and is retained by the spring memberassociated therewith.

In order to remove the store from its cradle position on the stranchionbrackets Ztl the latch 59 is opened 'and the terminal end of the band 4Qis removed from the boss on the jaw 51. Because of the spring actionthereof the band 40 will uncoil and store itself within the pocket 28 ofthe stanchion bracket 20 immediately above. Therefore, the band is ontof the way and always at hand for future use. In order to change thesetting of the band or to remove the same from the stranchion bracket20, the band 40 is grasped slightly above the recess 25 and is urgedtoward the forward end yof the bracket 20 and against the fulcrum at22C. At the s'ame time, a downward motion is imparted to the band whichcauses the same to disengage from the notch, 3G!) and depress the springlingers 63. The band may then be moved upwardly or downwardly asdesired.

It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials,steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described andillustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be madeby those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of theinvention as expressed in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A supporting and clamping bracket for use with perforated, precurved,tie-down straps in the vertical storage 'and handling of loads ofvarying sizes comprising:

a bracket member;

a recess extending downwardly through said bracket member;

a strap extending into said recess;

anchor lug means for engaging said strap and extending into said recess;

spring means in said recess and secured to s'aid bracket member, saidspring means including a strap-receiving guide and spring lingers forurging said strap against the side of said recess.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 further including:

a pocket formed in the underside of said bracket member to receive tostrap.

3. The device as dened in claim 2 wherein said bracket member includes acurved upper surface for cradling a load disposable transverse to thelongitudinal extent of said member.

4. The device as dened in claim 3 wherein said anchor lug means includesa ramp on the upper portion thereof to facilitate downward movement ofsaid strap in said recess and notch means on the lower portion thereoffor engaging the strap material bounding the perforation.

5. A supporting and clamping device for use with perforated, precurved,tiedown straps in the vertical storage and handling of loads of varyingsizes, comprising:

a longitudinally extending plurality of channel members each including apair of spaced, parallel flanges and a Iweb terminating adjacent one endof said flanges in a depending web plate; said anges, web and web platethereby forming a pocket in which straps may be stored when not in use;

an attaching plate at said one end of said anges, said plate beingparallel to and spaced from said depending web plate, thereby forming arecess therebetween;

straps extending into said recess;

fastening means on said attaching plate;

an anchor lug secured to said depending web plate and extending intosaid recess for engaging at least one of said straps;

a spring member secured to said one of said plates, said spring memberhaving a strap-receiving guide formed therein and depending springlingers for urging said straps against said plates;

and means at the other end of said channel member for connecting saidone strap thereto.

6. The device as defined in claim 5 further including:

a structural upright member;

the plurality of said channel members secured to said upright member invertically spaced relation;

said strap means having perforations along the length thereof and beingprecurved;

said strap-receiving guide receiving excess strap from the the channelmember thereabove when that strap is in a tie-down position;

5 said spring fingers urging said one strap into locking engagement withsaid anchor lug means and urging said excess strap against said plates.

7. The device as defined in claim 5 wherein said channel member web hasa curved supporting surface for receiving and cradling a load orientedtransverse to the longitudinal extent of said channel member.

S. The device as dened in claim 5 wherein said anchor lug includes aramp on the upper portion thereof to facilitate downward movement ofsaid one strap in said recess and notch means on the lower portionthereof for engaging the strap material bounding the perforation.

9. A support device for vertically stacked stores comprising:

a plurality of vertically spaced brackets each secured to said uprightmember;

a recess extending downwardly through each of said brackets;

latch means secured to each of said brackets;

precurved strap means connected at one end thereof to said latch means,said strap means having perforations along the length thereof;

anchor lug means 0n each of said brackets extending into the said recessand through one of said perforations in said strap means;

and spring means secured to each of said brackets, said spring meansincluding a guide for receiving excess strap material from the bracketspaced thereabove when that strap is in a tie-down position, said springmeans including spring fingers for urging said precurved strap meansinto locking engagement with said anchor lug means and for urging theexcess strap against the side of said recess.

16. The device as defined in claim 9 wherein said anchor lug meansincludes a ramp on the upper portion thereof to facilitate downwardmovement of said precurved strap means in said recess and notch means onthe -lower portion thereof for engaging the strap material bounding theperforation.

References Cited by the Lxamzier References Cited by the ApplicantUNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1947 Robertson et al. 4/1963 Carpenter et al.

CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. JOHN PETO, Examiner.

1. A SUPPORTING AND CLAMPING BRACKET FOR USE WITH PERFORATED, PRECURVED,TIE-DOWN STRAPS IN THE VERTICAL STORAGE AND HANDLING OF LOADS OF VARYINGSIZES COMPRISING: A BRACKET MEMBER; A RECESS EXTENDING DOWNWARDLYTHROUGH SAID BRACKET MEMBER; A STRAP EXTENDING INTO SAID RECESS; ANCHORLUG MEANS FOR ENGAGING SAID STRAP AND EXTENDING INTO SAID RECESS; SPRINGMEANS IN SAID RECESS AND SECURED TO SAID BRACKET MEMBER, SAID SPRINGMEANS INCLUDING A STRAP-RECEIVING GUIDE AND SPRING FINGERS FOR URGINGSAID STRAP AGAINST THE SIDE OF SAID RECESS.